STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- A pretty Asian plant is a growing problem all over New York City and has invaded Staten Island green spaces and private properties.

Japanese Knotweed, an Eastern Asian plant that was popular until the 1950s because it's attractive and grows rapidly, is invasive enough to break through concrete and disrupt foundations, said NYC Parks Community Associate Joe Kurtz.

"It's all over New York City," said Kurtz. "You have to keep digging up the roots for two years until you can finally contain it."

Cutler and his colleague, Jaquon Singleton, and a few volunteers were out at James Woods Park in New Brighton on Saturday morning cleaning up Japanese Knotweed.

According to Kurtz, there are patchy areas of the plant in the park that need to be cut down. When the plant is overgrown, it can be a detriment to the surrounding greenery.

"It can grow like six or seven feet in two months, and even faster with direct sunlight," he said. "It's not good because it shades the natural plants and takes away nutrients."

Staten Island resident Michael Balwierczak, who was one of the volunteers, said Japanese Knotweed has been growing in his backyard, and its coming from his neighbor's home.

"It's frustrating," he said. "I just keep ripping it out every season. It comes back so fast."

Japanese Knotweed can thrive in challenging conditions, like high heat, drought and deep shade, and is commonly found near water sources, according to the National Park Service.

The plant, which has heart-shaped leaves and a bamboo stem, can also be found at Clove Lakes Park and Wolfe's Pond Park.